Quick summary of key school information
School details
| Number of students |
380 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
44 |
| Most common nationality |
Bulgarian |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
35% local, 65% foreign |
| Native English speaking teachers |
Mixed |
| Language support for students not fluent in English |
Yes |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
Spanish, French, German, Arabic, Greek, Russian, Bulgarian |
| Max. number of students per class |
20 |
| Average number of students per class |
15 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
We are the only Apple school in Bulgaria - our students learn MAC OS and Windows at the same time. Students from Grade 3 to IB DP Y2 actively use iPads in their every day learning activities. |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
Yes, British School of Sofia is the only school in Bulgaria successfully implemented Huawei meeting hardware and software and the classrooms are equipped with latest technology for video conferencing, including interactive displays instead of white boards. |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
No |
| External examinations or assessments available |
Students in Grade 6 – CIE Primary Checkpoint Exams in English, Mathematics and Science
|
| Results in these examinations |
Above UK average |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
We aim to equip students with independent learning skills to enable them to research in preparation for class activities and tasks set to reinforce learning. The submission of work and rules regarding referencing / plagiarism is governed by the BSS academic honesty policy. Higher level subjects will receive up to 3 hours per fortnight and Standard Level up to 2 hours per fortnight. |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
100% |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
No |
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
We have a very strong Gifted and Talented Programme. Our students participate in different international competitions - English, Mathematics, Science, Debating, Sports, etc. |
| Student access to education psychologist |
Yes |
| Entry evaluation for students |
Yes |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
Applicants sit on exams in English and Mathematics. Students applying for IGCSE and IB DP also have an essay to write and an interview with the IB Coordinator. |
| Waiting list |
Yes |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
At BSS there is an open enrollment throughout the whole school year. |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes |
| School start time |
8:30 |
| School finish time |
16:20 |
| Supervised care before/after school |
Yes, from 16:20 to 17:00 |
| School bus service available |
Yes - door-to-door service |
| School provided lunches |
Yes |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
Yes |
| Uniform required |
Yes |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
We offer many extracurricular activities depending on the age of the students in the following categories: Sports, Art, Music, Creative, STEM and Language Arts. |
| Sports activities included |
Physical education and Dancing classes |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes, we have teams in Football and Basketball. |
| Facilities at the school |
Library, Science labs, Computer labs including a MAC lab, Art rooms, Music room, Theatre hall, Robotics room |
| Sports facilities at the school |
Two outside playgrounds for football, basketball and volleyball, a playground with facilities for climbing and a gym. |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Innovative, Aspirational and Forward Thinking |
| Teaching approach of the school |
Child-centered, Whole child approach, Cross-curricular, Thinking Based |